by Eden Redd
Ossa nearly purred as the rogue massaged muscles and planted kisses along her neck. The dark elf took hold of his hand and moved it to her wet valley. When his fingers touched her glowing clit, the rogue took over, massaging it to her liking. Swirling motions played on as the two basked in the moment.
Two hours later, the sun dipped lower in the sky. Ossa was getting dressed and Renner sat on the edge of the bed. He pressed his hand to his chest. The clothes strewn about disappeared and reappeared on him. Sometimes the moment gripped him so much that he would forget how easy it was to undress in the game. Hand dipping to his belt pouch, the rogue pulled out two gold coins.
Ossa fixed her dress and looked down at the gold in Renner’s outstretched hand, “You don’t have to pay me.”
Renner stood up, “Yes I do. Take it.”
Ossa looked at the gold and back at him, “I don’t do this for gold.”
The edges of Renner’s eyes saddened, “Consider it a gift. Use it to buy yourself a better life.”
Ossa’s brow formed a sharp V, “Don’t flatter yourself. My life is fine, but I will take your money. You certainly don’t deserve it”.
Ossa looked down to the gold. Silently, she snatched the coin from his hand and turned for the door. Renner stayed where he was, not flinching as the door opened and slammed shut.
Gylda appeared with a golden burst, “You keep hurting people who can be potential allies. You steal hearts in lust when you should be stealing them with love.”
Renner ignored the golden fairy as he checked his stats. Gylda was correct. The rogue saw that his agility and stamina each went up a point, but if he hadn’t paid her, he could have easily stolen her heart. His stats would have increased a few more points and then he would have an ally he could always call upon. With Ossa, it wasn’t simply the sex. There was a connection and Renner felt it when he saw her in the bar. Now he ruined that chance because he didn’t want to get too close to anyone.
“We could be stealing from dragons if you only let your lovers into your heart,” Gylda continued.
Renner sat on the edge of the bed, pushing away all the annoying emotions and felt better that he didn’t get tangled up in affairs of the heart. Just then, the wall beside the bed began to glow a pale white.
Renner and Gylda turned to see a glowing oval appear against the wall. Light slipped down, filling the oval with a warm glow. A robed figure stepped through and eyed the rogue. He carried a regal appearance of a man that had seen everything and not much impressed him.
“Follow me. She awaits,” the regal looking man said simply.
“Where are we going?” Renner stood up.
The man let out a sneer, “A safe place for all involved. Follow me now or the deal is off.”
The man stepped back through the glowing portal. Renner eyed it for a second before stepping through. Gylda darted in just as the portal collapsed. With the glow gone, the room took on a dead stillness as the sun outside sunk down to the horizon’s edge.
Five
Streams of light blazed past the rogue as he floated along a bright corridor. The brightness grew to a blinding glare before his body floated down and touched virtual stone. Blinking, the light faded and a torch lit room surrounded him. Two comfortable chairs took up the middle of the room. Torch light flickered and waved to a small draft. The man that led the way was walking to a door at the back of the room. Gylda floated next to Renner’s shoulder, eyes peeled and ready for anything.
The man turned his head to the side as he stood in front of a heavy iron door, “Take a seat. She will see you shortly.”
Renner eyed the uptight individual as he opened the door, stepped through and closed it behind him. The rogue took a few steps forward and plopped down on one of the plush seats. Gylda fluttered close, her golden aura chasing away small shadows around the chairs.
“This could be a trap. We don’t know where we are,” the fairy whispered.
“If it is, it would be bad for business.”
Gylda scowled, “There are bounties on your head.”
Renner smirked, “There are things needed, that need to be stolen. It all evens out.”
“You should be taking this seriously.”
“Stop worrying. We’ve gotten out of worst situations.”
“The more gold they have, the more powerful they are.”
Renner eyed the fairy, “Then the cleverer we need to be.”
Gylda was ready to lay into the rogue when the iron door opened from behind. The regal looking servant stepped out first and stood to the side, slightly bowed. A woman in a thick blue robe walked out from the darkness of the other room. Fierce blue eyes locked on the rogue as she sauntered in. Long, straight, white hair flowed from a widow’s peak to behind her slender shoulders. Pointed ears stood out between her locks. Ivory skin glowed against the darkness behind her. A gentle smile greeted the rogue as he stood up and bowed.
“Lady Slytha, I had no idea it was you I was meeting with,” Renner said calmly.
The lady raised a thin hand and motioned him to sit back down, “Nor should you until this moment. Have a seat. We have much to discuss.”
Renner nodded before sitting back down. The dragon was famous for human/dragon relations. An expert diplomat, she was one of the few voices advocating an end to the war with the trolls and find solutions for all sides. Renner had never met her in person, but at one point he was at one of her famed parties. He still fondly remembered the lewd debauchery during the time when he was new to the game.
Lady Slytha moved with flowing grace as she floated over to the chair opposite the rogue. The regal servant stood at the side of the chair as the lady took a seat. The air grew thick with mystery and Renner was genuinely curious about what a dragon would want from him.
The regal man eyed the rogue as he spoke, “Do not try anything, Rogue. We are on the lowest level of the catacombs under Talon Guard. If you make even one wrong move, you will have to fight your way to the surface. There are things down here that will rip you apart the first time they catch your scent.”
“Lucius, please, this is a business meeting. I’m sure Lord Wulf will be on his best behavior,” Lady Slytha smiled.
Renner eyed the servants scowl, “Yea Lucius, scouts honor.”
Lucius turned his head and stuck out his chin in annoyance.
The dragon in elven skin continued to smile, “As you know, I have need of your services and discretion.”
“Services are fine but discretion has been a little up and down lately,” Renner grinned.
Lady Slytha nodded, “You may be well known but you keep your business dealings silent. I require you to keep our meeting a secret.”
Renner leaned forward in his seat, “My word is my bond. I will keep all of your secrets for the right price.”
“A thief with honor, unheard of,” Lucius sneered.
Renner turned his attention to Lucius, “Keeping secrets is what we do best but nothing is free. And I’m a rogue, not a thief so stand there and keep quiet, Lucius.”
The servant opened his mouth in anger when the Lady put up her hand. Lucius closed his mouth and stared menacingly at Renner. The rogue winked at the fuming man and blew him kiss before turning his attention back to the Lady. Lucius’s blood began to boil.
“I have need of two items and I think you are the professional I require for the job,” Lady Slytha said with charismatic grace. “Do you know of Lord Shallor Sun Flame?”
Renner leaned back in the chair, “Dragon lord with many perverted tastes. I never met him but his castle is not far from here. He throws special parties and I have yet to get an invite.”
Slytha barely nodded, “He is very old despite his youthful appetites. Not only does he enjoy his parties but he is a lover of knowledge. His tome collection is incredibly vast and some say it is greater than his extensive treasure hoard.”
Renner was silent for a second before speaking, “I’ve never robbed a dragon before. The consequences of g
etting caught are too high. You can’t pay them off and they often use Dire Mages to punish you for the crime. I don’t know if I can afford to lose half my coin and my attribute bonuses.”
“You will be paid handsomely for taking this risk and all I require are two tomes from his private collection.”
Renner rubbed his jaw, “Must be pretty important books for such a big risk.”
Lady Slytha eyed the rogue with an understanding gaze, “I’m not sure how involved you are in the politics of Lukken but these two books could change the course of the war. However, I don’t expect you to do this out of pride for our lands. I ask you to do this because you will be well compensated for your time and effort.”
Renner looked to Gylda as she floated by him. The golden fairy nodded.
“I can’t do this alone. I will need at least two more associates. I will also need any information you have on the inner workings of the castle. If you have any drawings, they will be a big help.”
“Lucius will bring you all the information we have to aid you. Where will you be staying?”
“I saw an inn on my way here. It’s outside of the city and should have less eyes and ears on me. Have Lucius bring it to the Fox Inn.”
“We will have one of our contacts bring it to you,” Lucius growled.
Renner smiled, “Don’t want to be seen slumming, eh?”
Lady Slytha barely hid her smirk before taking a serious tone, “I do have one last rule that cannot be broken under any circumstance. You are free to defend yourself any way you wish but you cannot take a dragon’s life. If you do, then the deal will be null and void and I will have to employ the aid of the Dire Mages to do more than take your coin and your life.”
Renner smirked, “You’re one tough Lady. It’s pretty hot.”
“Do we have a deal, Lord Wulf?” Lady Slytha put out a delicate hand.
“We do,” Renner reached out and took hold of her hand.
The rogue tried to keep his composure as Slytha’s hand held a powerful icy grip. Pulses of vibrant energy clashed against his warm skin. The rogue and lady kept their stare as silent understanding took hold. A moment later, Slytha let go and relief surged into Renner’s throbbing hand.
The dragon lady stood up and floated to the iron door. Lucius snapped his fingers and a glowing portal appeared against a blank stone wall.
“I will be returning you to the room we left. It will be yours until the final transaction has taken place. Go there when you have the items. We will know to come to you.” Lucius said matter of fact.
The servant reached into a deep pocket in his robe and pulled out a hefty bag of gold. He tossed it to Renner who caught it midair.
“A down payment, there will be bonuses should you perform the task quickly and with little bloodshed.”
Renner hefted the bag, “This is pretty serious, isn’t it?”
Lady Slytha had one hand on the iron door. She turned her head and smiled at the rogue, “Serious enough that your actions will have a lasting effect on Lukken. I trust you are up for the task.”
Renner bowed, “I am up for any task you would ask of me, even the sensual ones.”
Pink touched Lady Slytha’s cheeks for barely a moment before she turned and stepped into the dark room beyond.
“I reward those who are loyal, remember that Lord Wulf,” the dragon’s voice floated back before she disappeared into darkness.
A quest appeared in Renner’s journal and he mentally tapped the accept button, “I will.”
Renner turned to the portal just as Lucius was walking past him toward the iron door, “No hug?”
Lucius muttered under his breath as he continued on. Renner smiled as he stepped to the portal. Gylda sat on his shoulder as they both stepped through. With a flash, they were gone. As Renner floated with streams of light floating past, a small part of him wondered if he made a mistake taking the job. It was quickly engulfed with a larger feeling that he was going to be swimming in gold and summer homes. With a smirk, he flashed back into the previous room. Ideas formed as the rogue pondered his next move.
Six
Renner sat in a corner booth, eyes staring out at the main room of the Fox Inn. Smoke floated in the air as patrons lit pipes and drank to their heart’s content. A pitcher of ale and three cups stood on the table before him. With his hood up, Gylda snuggled against his neck dozing and a tiny drop of salvia hanging from her open mouth. The rogue patted his hood so it covered the sleeping fairy and returned to staring at every stranger that walked in.
The sun had set and the evening crowd began to trickle in. The inn was low-key but a semi-popular place for those of his profession to meet, deal and be on their way. The player spent much of the day scouting it out and paying off the help for his privacy. With plans still fermenting, he didn’t want to chance being escorted out by the city guard any time soon.
The main door opened and a hooded figure stepped in. Renner watched and studied the exposed feminine nose, high cheek bones and pale skin. Eyes tracing down, the parted cloak showed a sliver of cleavage to above average sized breasts, thin waist and thigh high boots. She wore all black leather as she stepped in. A bandolier of daggers crossed over her chest but did not obscure her assets. Hood barely moving, she sauntered over to Renner’s table and stood at the edge.
“Page twenty-two of….” Renner muttered the first part of the code phrase.
“The Book of Love,” the hooded figure smiled.
Renner pulled back his hood, “Have a seat.”
The woman nodded, sat down and pulled back her hood. Renner drank in her beauty. Ears pointed up through thick wavy locks of black hair. Her skin was pale but her lips were black. Renner tried to not look down but once again found it difficult. The gravity of her breasts sucked at his vision like a whirlpool. Tearing away from the inviting cleavage, he looked up to her pointed ears. A faint stirring against his thigh woke him up and he tried to stay on the business at hand.
“Vass Mistglow,” the elf said with a faint smile.
“Renner Wulf,” the rogue smirked.
The elf looked down at the cups, “Meeting one more before we get down to business?”
Renner nodded.
“I hope they show up soon. This sounds like a profitable venture from what I was told, which wasn’t much.”
“I’ll lay out the job soon. We’ll have a drink when our third arrives.”
“Good because I want this gravy train to keep going. I’ve had some success in the area and the gold is good here. Want to keep my luck going.” Vass said as she leaned in.
Renner looked down at her chest as he talked, “How long have you been around here?”
Vass smiled, “Long enough to scout it out and know who the major players are. You?”
“Two days,” Renner said simply.
Vass shifted to make sure he got a better view, “Sounds like we’re going to work well together. I have heard of you through the network. Impressed you took the Vala job.”
“Walking into a church and stealing their prized idol, who would say no,” Renner grinned.
“Many, the whole church is looking for you. Pissed off clerics are pretty tough. They’ll just keep beating you down while they heal each other,” Vass said.
“I’m glad you’re not a cleric.”
Vass let out a small giggle, “But my brother is a paladin so watch your step.”
Renner shifted his gaze to her oval eyes, “Is your brother close by?”
Vass kept leaning forward on the table, “He’s on his way to the dragon cities to the north. You’re safe for now.”
Renner smiled as Vass looked toward the front door. He had heard of the elven rogue through the network as well. Despite her need for gold, she had a sense of honor, something he knew he needed for the job. They had to work together, and lower his chances of getting stabbed in the back. Vass did escort jobs for troll refugees and never lost any of them. It showed her spirit was willing to work for the gold and Renner
knew he needed partners, not hired thugs.
The front door swung open and smashed against the wooden wall. Renner and Vass turned their attention to the large green orc stepping in with heavy boots. He wore a black cloak around his shoulders and leather armor straining against his thick muscles. A loin cloth hung down to his knees and a Warhammer slung to his back. It was covered in runes and gave off a small blue glow. The room grew silent as eyes widened and mouths closed. The orc stepped across the room, tusks jutting up from behind his lower lip. Black eyes turned to the corner where Renner and Vass sat.
“Holy shit, you asked for Rekt Bloodhammer. I thought this was a simple burglary,” Vass eyed the green wall of muscle.
Renner kept his cool as the intimidating orc stalked toward them, “I fibbed a little on the details. It’s actually a heist job but I’ll get to it once you guys pass the test.”
Vass turned to Renner, “Test?”
The orc stood at the edge of the table. He glowered with dripping menace as he looked to Vass and then to Renner, “I’m here for the job.”
“Have a seat and we can discuss after a drink,” Renner pointed to the seat next to him.
Rekt sat down, barely able to fit his massive form. Vass gave a nod and smiled. The orc nodded but did not smile back. The three sat as Renner took the pitcher and poured ale into each cup. Once filled with frothy amber liquid, he took hold of one and raised it up. Vass and Rekt took hold of their cups and raised them up.
“To hearts, gold and profit,” Renner smiled.
“To hearts, gold and profit,” Vass and Rekt said in unison.
The three rogues smashed their cups together, spilling heavy drops of ale before gulping the rest down. When they finished, they slammed their cups down on the table. The wooden cup cracked in Rekt’s big hand.
“Let’s get to it,” Renner said as he wiped his arm across his mouth. “I know some of your backgrounds but before we get into the meat of the job, I set up a little test. Pass and we go into the plan, and its happy profit time for everyone. You fail, then see you later, better luck next time.”